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What Are The Causes And Treatments For Chronic Hives

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Chronic Urticaria

Chronic hives or urticaria is a skin condition which is observed in form of patches or rings all over the body of the affected individual. These patches or rings may appear in groups on the skin in the form of pale red swellings which tend to fade and reappear in different parts of the body. When the body comes in contact with an allergen, the body releases chemical called histamine which causes chronic urticaria.One of the best chronic hives treatments is to identify the hives causing allergen and then avoiding it or eliminating it from one’s living environment as far as possible.

Natural Treatments for Chronic Hives

Some natural treatments for chronic hives include increasing the intake of liquids throughout the day especially fresh drinking water so as to eliminate harmful toxins from the body. One could also incorporate some homemade or plain flavored yogurt in one’s daily diet as yogurt is a rich source of proactive bacteria, namely acidophilus which helps in minimizing and gradually eliminating the inflammation associated with hives. Garlic is one of the natural foods that are considered to be highly effective against chronic hives on account of its anti bacterial and anti viral properties. Similarly, increasing the intake of juices and foods that are rich in Vitamin C also helps in eliminating the free radicals and repairing the cells that may be damaged on account of chronic hives.

One of the chronic hives causes could also be a simple low grade infection such as a sinus. It is essential to avoid scratching the hives and instead use lotions and anti-itch creams as scratching may break the skin and thereby make it more susceptible to infections. It has also been observed that in some individuals chronic hives may also be due to emotional stress. An individual can treat chronic hives at home by consuming herbal teas consisting of passionflower or pepper mint which helps in reducing the inflammation caused by hives. This also tends to have a soothing effect on the individual. Similarly, another effective natural treatment for chronic hives is too apply ice cubes or a cold compress over the hives. This treatment with ice tends to shrink the blood vessels which in turn inhibit them from swelling or opening up thereby preventing histamines from being released. Adversely, hot water tends to worsen the itching sensation associated with chronic hives and hence should be avoided by patients of chronic hives.

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Home Remedies to Help Clear Eczema

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Natural Remedies for Treating Eczema Infection

Eczema is a skin disease that leaves the skin looking scaly and red. It is accompanied by itching that can be quite severe such that it can even draw blood.  There are various natural remedies for eczema that are quite simple.

  • Try taking a teaspoon of some camphor and also another teaspoon of some sandalwood. Mix them together well to form a thick paste. Spread this paste over the affected area. This treatment should be repeated twice may be thrice a day for about a week. This can prove to be a very effective remedy in treating eczema.
  • Another useful tip among effective home remedies for eczema includes using the mango. Mango is known to have numerous curative properties. Start by peeling off the skin of the mango. Then boil whatever pulp has been extracted along with some water and allow this preparation to cool. Once this paste is ready, proceed to apply it all across the area that has been infected by eczema. This procedure should be carried out for about 12 to 15 days. This is also found to be a very useful treatment in curing an eczema infection.
  • One can separately try extracting some juice from musk and then applying this juice on to the eczema wound. This helps to cure the condition.

Home Treatment for Eczema

  • Eczema home treatment includes taking either a sun bath or a steam bath. This is helpful in killing the infection like the bacteria and also the other germs that cause a disease. This steam bath should be given about 2 to 3 times in a day.
  • Home treatment for eczema also includes eating plenty of fresh fruits and green vegetables. One can even make the juice of the fruit or the vegetable and try applying this all over the patient’s body. Some of the useful fruits and vegetables include carrots, spinach, oranges and grapes. Making a paste out of strawberries is also equally good for treating this condition. Try taking about 2 or 3 strawberries and making it into a paste. Then apply this paste all over the patient’s body.
  • One can use a clean piece of cotton or a clean cloth. Try applying this for a couple of weeks at least 2 to 3 times during each day.
  • Try to reduce one’s intake of certain foods like onion, ginger and even okra. These are found to contain high levels of mineral.
  • One should also avoid using any heavy oils and spices when suffering from this condition. They should be consumed in moderation.
  • Try to avoid some salads like radish and cucumbers.

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What are the Causes of Petechiae and Treatments

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Petechiae in Children

Petechiae are small red or purple spots that appear on the body and are caused by a minor hemorrhage. The commonest cause of these Petechiae is the result of physical trauma like a particularly hard bout of vomiting, crying or coughing. This can result in what are known as facial petechiae which occur particularly around the eyes. Petechiae are in this instance totally harmless and usually tend to disappear in a few days. Petechiae can be a sign of low platelet counts or thrombocytopenia. This occurs when the platelet function gets inhibited. This is normally a side effect of medicines or caused by certain infections. They also tend to occur when pressure is applied in excess to any tissue like the case when a tourniquet is tied to an extremity. Some other malignancies can also be the cause of petechiae occurring. Dermatologists are the most adept specialists to treat these conditions as they can identify them easily and correctly and also differentiate between petechiae and some other similar looking rash. They can also be identified as vasculitis which is an inflammation of the blood vessels. This needs to be immediately treated to avoid any permanent damage occurring. The seriousness of petechiae in children and infants depends on the clinical context. Children suffering from viral infections tend to be more susceptible to petechiae. In this case it does not qualify as a serious illness. However there are illnesses like meningococcemia, certain causes of thrombocytopenia and leukemia that they are a signal of. Hence at no times can they be ignored.

Treatment for Petechiae

Treatment for petechiae is aimed at the underlying cause of the disease. Somebody who is suffering from petechiae that has been caused by an infection will accordingly be treated with antibiotics. If petechiae has been caused by an allergic reaction to a particular kind of medicine, then the obvious remedy is to stop administering or ingesting that drug or medicine. If petechia has occurred due to low platelet count then the treatment involves giving a transfusion of the blood factors or platelets. Patients who are suffering from cancer or leukemia may need to be treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Petechia that has been caused by a particular injury does not need any treatment. At times application of an ice pack sporadically on and off during the course of the day can help reduce the petechiae. Eventually the petechiae will fade and disappear in time. Hence most petechiae will disappear once the cause of it appearance has been identified and subsequently treated.

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Causes of Loss of Skin Pigmentation | Treatment for Leucoderma

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Loss of Skin Pigmentation

A loss of skin pigmentation is caused by a skin condition known as vitiligo or leucoderma. Leucoderma results in a gradual decrease of melanin in the skin and consequently gives rise to white patches. Leucoderma thus leads to the destruction of melanocytes which are responsible for the production of skin pigmentation or color. These white patches lead to skin disfigurement and can be a source of embarrassment. Leucoderma has a variety of causes and can affect men and women of all ages. Some of the main causes of leucoderma are overexposure to the sun, heredity, trauma or injury to the skin, high levels of stress, irregular liver functions, gastric problems and even an impaired hepatic function.

Leucoderma is also increasingly viewed as an autoimmune disorder. This means that the immune system of a person affected by leucoderma starts to react against and destroy melanocytes in the body. Leucoderma often manifests as white, milky patches that commonly appear on the skin surrounding the neck, hands, wrist and back. White patches may sometimes even occur on the retina or other mucus membranes of the body. The formation of white spots on the skin may also be accompanied by symptoms like hair loss, a general feeling of weakness, sensitivity towards extreme temperatures, premature graying and a lightening of the hair on the affected area. There are several ways in which leucoderma or vitligo can be treated at home. Most methods of treatment for leucoderma aim at increasing the production of melanin by attempting to reactivate melanocytes.

Treatment for Leucoderma

One of the most effective means of encouraging melanin production is by exposing your skin to sunlight for a short time everyday. It is important that you carry out this treatment early in the morning or at any time when the sunlight is moderately hot. Avoid the scorching heat of the afternoon and prolonged exposure to sunlight as this may be very harmful.Lemna minor is an excellent remedy for white patches on the skin as it helps promote melanin production. Mix one part of lemna minor with one part each of honey and water. Drink the resulting solution at least twice a day to help reduce white patches.In addition, the extract of the lemna plant can be applied directly on the affected area to help reduce white patches.Ensure that your diet is a healthy blend of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin B, A and C to help diminish white patches.

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Melasma Home Remedies - How to Get Rid of Melasma

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Causes of Melasma

The brown patches or the brown-to-gray patches that develop on a person’s face especially on the chin, cheeks, forehead, upper lip and the bridge of the nose is a kind of skin condition that is referred to as melasma. It also appears on the forearms and the neck. Although melasma predominantly affects women, it is known to affect men too, especially those who are taking anti-seizure medicines. It has been observed that people with darker skin tend to be more prone to the occurrence of melasma. Discolorations and dark spots that occur on the skin can be a distressing and difficult problem. The skin derives its color from melanin which is the pigment and this pigment is developed by cells known as melanocytes. Women who are using birth control pills or those who are pregnant, tend to have hormonal imbalances in the body that interfere with the activity of the melanocytes and this produces larger quantities of melanin in certain areas. This occurrence results in melasma.

Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Melasma

There are various home remedies that can help in lightening these patches and even getting rid of them altogether.

  • These include crushing mint leaves, extracting their juice and then applying this juice all over one’s face.
  • Try making a mixture of grated peeled cucumber and a dash of lime juice. Apply this paste to the affected areas as it will help to cleanse and nourish your skin. Once it is dry wash it off completely with lukewarm or cold water.
  • Another excellent home remedy includes making a lotion out of a tablespoon of rosewater, three teaspoons of vinegar and the juice that has been extracted from a large piece of cucumber. Use this lotion on a daily basis for quick results.
  • Carrots too are very effective in reducing melasma patches and other minor skin problems as they have a very high Vitamin A content which is essential for healthy skin. Clean a couple of carrots well and then grate them. Place the grated carrot in a small saucepan and then add a cup of water to the pan. The water should just about cover the grated carrot. Heat this on low heat until the water boils and starts to evaporate. Take it off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely before you mash it into a paste. Next, apply this paste all over your face for 15 to 20 minutes. This needs to be gently rubbed into the skin for optimum effect.
  • You can also try peeling and mashing a ripe banana and applying this paste over your face.
  • Raw potato juice has healing properties and when applied on the affected areas can help in lightening the condition.
  • Orange peel dried and powdered can be mixed with curd and this mixture can be applied on the darkened patches.
  • Another effective remedy includes taking the juice of an onion and mixing it with apple cider vinegar. Apply this mixture regularly on your face as it will help to get rid of blemishes.
  • Instead of onion juice, one can also use diluted vinegar as vinegar has brightening and whitening properties and is also an excellent skin softener.

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How to Get Rid of Zits Naturally

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Causes of Zits

One of the commonest and most frustrating problems that affect teenagers is the occurrence of zits. A zit is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. They usually appear on the neck, face, shoulders and chest. For those people who are sensitive about their appearance a zit can cause a lot of embarrassment. Most teenagers try several different treatments in the hope of finding a miracle cure. There is no immediate cure for this problem and most treatments require a few weeks to show results. Discussing your treatment options with a dermatologist would be very helpful as the dermatologist will be able to recommend treatments that are meant specifically for your skin type.

There are various ways in which one can prevent the occurrence of a zit by using home remedies. These include washing one’s face and body regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Just before going to bed, if you see a zit appearing, then after cleansing the area, try applying toothpaste on the area and leave it on overnight. Rinse it off thoroughly the next day. There is a strong possibility that the zit may not be as inflamed as otherwise or it may even vanish completely.Another method to tone down a zit is to dip a cloth in hot water and hold it over the affected area. This can help in soothing the skin and reducing the inflammation caused by the zit thus making it appear smaller and not so noticeable. Try mixing cornstarch and water into a thick paste and applying it on the zit before going to bed.

Home Remedies to Prevent Zits

  • Another paste that is beneficial in reducing zits is a mixture made from baking soda and water.
  • Applications of lemon juice or dried orange peel are also good remedies in zit reduction.
  • Try mixing a dash of turmeric powder with a little coriander juice and applying this paste on the affected area.
  • You can also try mixing turmeric powder with mint juice as this will also help to reduce the inflammation around the zit.
  • Garlic has been known to be useful in curing zits. Rub the area gently with a drop of garlic juice regularly as this is known to be one of the best cures for acne and zits. Garlic juice has healing properties that help to cleanse the skin and prevent boils or pimples from appearing.

Some changes in one’s diet that can help in the prevention of zits are to reduce or control one’s sugar intake. Sugar helps the body produce oil and so an increased intake often leads to excess sebum production which can lead to zits. Drinking plenty of water and fluids helps in increasing the production of perspiration. Sweat is expelled from the body through the pores of the skin and this helps to flush out the pores and prevents blockages. Stress is also bad for the skin as it results in increased sebum production. Hence, in order to get clear and blemish free complexion, it is important to get adequate sleep and rest on a daily basis. Always remember to avoid scratching or squeezing a zit. This only serves to irritate and further inflame the zit, thus delaying the healing process.

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Causes,Symptoms and Treatment of Seborrhoeic Eczema

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Causes and Symptoms of Seborrhoeic Eczema

Seborrhoeic eczema is a form of eczema that mainly affects the head, face and the trunk of the body and is closely linked with dandruff. This condition is associated with the sebaceous glands that are responsible for the secretion of natural oil, called sebum, which is essential as it lubricates the skin, giving it its soft, supple texture. When a person is suffering with seborrhoeic eczema, these sebaceous glands become overactive resulting in an excess secretion of sebum that has an adverse effect on the skin. Excess sebum clubbed with a yeast infection causes dry or greasy flaking of the scalp, face and in some cases, the trunk, and is mainly found along the margin of the hair or in skin folds. Seborrhoeic eczema is in no way contagious or harmful but should be attended to at the earliest in order to minimize discomfort.

Seborrhoeic eczema can be an inherited disorder. Pollution, unhygienic conditions and temperature changes can lead to seborrhoeic eczema. Stress, fatigue and sleep deprivation are believed to aggravate the condition. Greasy areas of skin, skin lesions, itching and mild redness are characteristic of seborrhoeic eczema. In severe cases, thick, oily, yellowish-brown crusts may form on the skin and severe inflammation, redness and itching may be experienced. This disease can lead to hair loss if ignored.

Treatment of Seborrhoic Eczema

Seborrhoeic eczema can be brought under control through numerous natural remedies, but the results cannot be obtained overnight. Hence, it is essential to follow a strict skincare routine persistently. Personal hygiene is a matter of priority when trying to get rid of seborrhoeic eczema. Since oil buildup is the main cause of seborrhoeic eczema, washing your hair several times a week will prove beneficial in minimizing the accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells and other pollutants that affect the scalp and hair adversely. The use of a mild, medicated antifungal shampoo and body wash is recommended to curb the growth of the fungi that aggravates the condition. Applying milk of magnesia on the skin, just before a bath, will prove beneficial in the treatment of seborrhoic eczema. After a bath, a final rinse with a mixture of a few drops of tea tree oil and water will also prove beneficial as tea tree oil has the ability to kill microbes and absorb excess oil.  After a bath, massaging the affected area with aloe gel is advantageous due to the natural moisturizing, antimicrobial and skin-healing properties of aloe. The intake of a tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily is also known to reduce the symptoms of seborrhoeic eczema.

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Age Spots Home Remedies - How to Get Rid of Age Spots on Face

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Age Spots

Age spots are a skin condition that is caused by excessive sun exposure. These spots tend to occur on the face, arms, shoulders and other areas of the skin that may be exposed to the sun.  Age spots may also occur on account of an irregular and unhealthy diet and a lack of essential nutrition. Age spots result from the production of excessive melanin as well as excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Age spots may tend to get cancerous in some cases while in others it can often block the detection of skin cancer. It is thus important to treat age spots immediately and there are several home remedies you can use to treat the condition effectively.

Removing Age Spots on Face

There are several precautions you should take if you suffer from age spots. Make sure that you do not go out without wearing sunscreen and take adequate precautions to protect yourself from sun exposure. Ensure that your diet comprises foods that are rich in protein and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to help rejuvenate your skin. Avoid consuming foods that are too oily or spicy and ensure that you cut down your intake of sweet foods. Avoid consuming foods that have a high level of caffeine and alcoholic drinks. Drink plenty of water as this will help flush toxins from your body and will help reduce your age spots. Use a natural bleach that contains lactic acid to help reduce age spots. Garlic is very effective in treating age spots. The juice of a couple of garlic pods applied to the age spots everyday will help them fade quickly. Red onion also helps fade age spots. Apply a thinly sliced red onion on the age spots to help diminish their appearance. Apply aloe vera juice directly on your age spots to help them fade quickly. Vitamin E is an effective method of treating age spots. Apply a vitamin E based cream or apply vitamin E directly on your age spots to help diminish them.

Applying apple cider vinegar on age spots helps fade them quickly. Make a mixture of apple cider vinegar and orange juice and use this solution to treat age spots effectively. Massage castor oil into your skin to help reduce age spots. Make a paste using chick peas and water and apply this on your age spots. This will help fade them effectively. Apply olive oil on your age spots and massage it well into your skin before your bath to help diminish age spots.

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Rosacea Home Remedies - What Causes and Symptoms of Rosacea

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Causes and Symptoms of Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes red bumps and patches on the face. These bumps could become swollen and infected and is very painful. Rosacea should be treated immediately as it could spread to the rest of the face and sometimes even to the eyes. Rosacea causes certain parts of the face, like the forehead, nose and cheeks, to appear red and inflamed. Small red bumps that can sometimes be filled with pus start to appear on the nose, chin and cheeks. Rosacea can also cause a burning sensation in the eyes and also results in the swelling of the nose. It is essential to follow a certain skin care routine while treating rosacea. Ensure that you avoid exposure to sunlight as much as possible. Wear a sunscreen that will protect your skin from damage when you go outdoors. Exposure to extreme weather conditions also causes the skin to erupt so ensure that you cover your face when you go out in extremely hot, cold or windy weather. Avoid scratching or rubbing the bumps on your face as this may cause it to worsen and spread to other regions.

Home Remedies for Rosacea

Sometimes, harsh chemicals in your facial cleanser may aggravate rosacea so you should read the labels of skin care products carefully to ensure that you are not allergic to any of its components. Avoid any skin care products that have an alcohol base.  You can make a mild cleanser at home using chilled witch hazel and a pint of water. Use this along with cool water to wash your face to help reduce redness and itching. Use only a mild soap or cleanser to wash your face and this will help curb rosacea outbreaks. Avoid the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes as this may cause further irritation to your skin. Licorice is very effective in the treatment of rosacea. It helps control redness and inflammation and cures rosacea immediately. Consuming apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for treating rosacea. Apple cider vinegar helps release enzymes that aid digestion and helps your skin glow. Taking vitamin B supplements is an effective way to treat rosacea.

Apply a cold compress on the affected area to help reduce inflammation and redness. Applying aloe vera will help soothe your skin and reduce red spots and inflammation. Using pine tar soap to cleanse your face will also help treat rosacea. You can use chamomile tea to wash your face and this will clear up the red rash caused by rosacea. Drinking a cup of fenugreek tea everyday is an effective remedy for rosacea.

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Causes and Treatment for Seborrheic Keratosis

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Seborrheic Keratosis Causes

Seborrheic keratosis is a skin ailment that originates in the keratinocytes that exist in the upper layer of the skin. They are non-cancerous growths that become more prominent with advancing age. They usually vary in size and color, ranging from shades of brown to black. They are oval or round in shape, may be flat or slightly raised and tend to develop a cauliflower-like warty appearance as they develop. These lesions look like dirt stuck to the skin and tend to itch, the itch increases as the skin ages. These lesions may be caused by a constant exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun or by an abnormal increase in melanin. It may also be an inherited condition or a side effect of certain medication. Having similar symptoms, seborrheic keratosis is very often confused with melanoma but it is not harmful at all. However, to clear any doubts, consulting a dermatologist is recommended. If the lesions or the skin around them tends to bleed, it may be a cause for concern.

Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment

A diet rich in fiber and low on fats is recommended for people prone to seborrheic keratosis. The antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables are beneficial in treating this condition. The juice of a lemon in a cup of warm water with a pinch of cayenne, consumed daily, is believed to be beneficial in melting away the lesions. Covering the lesion with dandelion extract or a paste of honey and flax seed powder and washing it off after 10-15 minutes may cause the lesion to disappear gradually.

Since seborrheic keratosis is not harmful in any way, they can be left on. However, due to their ugly appearance, people usually opt for having them removed, after consulting an experienced dermatologist. The itchy sensation they cause is another reason why people opt for lesion removal. Besides, these warty lesions tend to interfere with clothing and jewelry thus increasing the discomfort. The warty lesion can be removed by tying a strand of hair tightly around its base, thus cutting off the blood supply to the lesions. Gradually, the lesion will dry up and eventually fall off. The dermatologist may opt to lance off the lesions. If the seborrheic keratosis is very small, liquid nitrogen may be used to freeze the lesions in a procedure called cryotherapy. The lesion slowly crusts and falls off in a few days. In some cases, electric cauterization may be used wherein the stub of the growth is burned. However, these removal processes may leave behind a scar.

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